Press Releases
Kuster Pushes to Protect Funding for NH Small Business Development CenterHighlights critical role NHSBDC plays in supporting small businesses in the Granite State
Washington, DC,
May 30, 2013
To help support the creation and growth of small businesses in the Granite State, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) is urging the House Appropriations Committee to protect funding for the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) program, which provides critical technical assistance to small businesses throughout New Hampshire.
To help support the creation and growth of small businesses in the Granite State, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) is urging the House Appropriations Committee to protect funding for the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) program, which provides critical technical assistance to small businesses throughout New Hampshire. In his FY 2014 budget, President Obama proposed cutting the SBDC program by nearly $10 million, which would have harmful impacts on the program in the Granite State. SBDC funding cuts of that size would lead to over $50,000 in lost direct federal funding for the New Hampshire Small Business Development Center (NHSBDC), as well as the loss of two part-time business advisors. In total, the NHSBDC would stand to lose over $100,000 in funding after accounting for the loss of state and private matching funds. “Small Business Development Centers provide America’s small businesses with critical assistance, including business plan development, procurement and contracting aid, exporting and importing support, and cash flow management,” Kuster wrote in a letter to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee. “An invaluable resource for the business community in my home state, the New Hampshire Small Business Development Center helped start 40 new firms and provided one-on-one advising to over 800 businesses in 2012 alone.” In 2012, NHSBDC helped nearly 400 businesses in more than 100 communities throughout New Hampshire’s Second Congressional District, helping to start 21 new businesses, create over 140 new jobs created, and contribute over $1.5 million per week contributed to New Hampshire’s economy. Statewide, more than 800 businesses in nearly 190 communities received one-on-one business advising through the NHSBDC in 2012, leading to 40 new business starts and over 300 jobs created. “There is an ever increasing demand for SBDC business advising services, and we appreciate Congresswoman Kuster's commitment to making these services available to as many NH entrepreneurs as possible,” said New Hampshire Small Business Development Center State Director Mary Collins. NHBDC operates regional offices in Keene, Manchester, Nashua, Dover, and multiple locations throughout the North Country. Kuster is a member of the House Small Business Committee. The full text of the letter is below. May 29, 2013 Dear Chairman Crenshaw and Ranking Member Serrano, Thank you for your ongoing commitment to America’s entrepreneurs and to the Small Business Administration programs that support their success. As you know, one such initiative is the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) program, which provides essential technical assistance to our nation’s small businesses. As you consider appropriate funding levels for fiscal year 2014 appropriations, I urge you to provide the SBDC program with funding equal to the fiscal year 2012 level. Small Business Development Centers provide America’s small businesses with critical assistance, including for business plan development, procurement and contracting, exporting and importing, and cash flow management. An invaluable resource for the business community in my home state, the New Hampshire Small Business Development Center helped start 40 new firms and provided one-on-one advising to over 800 businesses in 2012 alone. Small businesses account for over 96 percent of employers in the Granite State and our SBDC plays a leading role in supporting these job creators and driving our economy forward. Republicans and Democrats can agree that our government alone does not create jobs but is responsible for fostering the conditions private sector businesses need to expand, hire, and succeed. The technical assistance provided by Small Business Development Centers greatly strengthens our business climate, and I urge you to prioritize SBDC program funding as you recommend fiscal year 2014 appropriations in this tough budget environment. Thank you for your consideration of this request. ### Press Contact: |